What is a common symptom of Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is characterized primarily by mood disturbances that coincide with specific seasons, most commonly during the fall and winter months when there is less natural sunlight. One of the hallmark symptoms tends to involve physical changes, including weight gain and an increased craving for carbohydrates.

This symptom is linked to the body's response to decreased levels of sunlight, which can disrupt the balance of neurotransmitters like serotonin. Such disturbances often lead to increased appetite and a preference for high-carbohydrate foods, which can contribute to weight gain during those seasons.

Understanding this aspect of SAD highlights the relationship between environmental factors, mood, and physiological changes, illustrating how mood disorders can manifest not only emotionally but also physically.